Groups and Departments

The Capability Building Group oversees the training of IP knowledge workers, promotes international cooperation to facilitate capacity building, and provides insight on global IP issues.

The Group comprises the Capability Development Department.

The Capability Development Department facilitates the development of IP expertise to expand the pool of IP professionals in Singapore. The department also organises conferences to facilitate IP capability building with international partners.

Corporate Services Group

The Corporate Services Group supports IPOS in developing and implementing strategic organisation policies and programmes. The Group comprises:

The Finance Department

The Human Capital Department

The Information Technology Department

The Finance Department is made up of Finance, Administration and Procurement teams. The department ensures IPOS' financial resources are efficiently managed through proper allocation of resources and funds management, as well as administers support to IPOS' daily operations.

The Human Capital Department supports IPOS to attract, develop, nurture and retain talent, in support of IPOS' organisational goals.

The Information Technology Department provides InfoComm Technology (ICT) services to ensure the deployment and support of secured, reliable and robust business applications, eServices and IT infrastructure.

Hearings and Mediation Group

The Hearings and Mediation Group facilitates the resolution of disputes relating to the registration of:

Trade Marks

Patents

Registered Designs

Plant Varieties Protection

The Group also deals with all interlocutory matters arising from the disputes such as applications for extensions of time, applications to amend pleadings and applications to file further evidence.

Patent Search & Examination Unit

The Patent Search & Examination Unit is established to contribute to the growth of patent expertise in Singapore. This unit supports Singapore's move from a "self-assessment" patent system to a "positive grant" patent system whereby a patent application can only proceed to grant if the search & examination report is fully positive. This move will raise the overall quality of patents granted in Singapore, and align our practices with that of established regimes.

The S&E Unit will help foster a stronger patent regime and be a motivational force in the establishment of a vibrant IP ecosystem here in Singapore.

Promotion Cluster

The Promotion Cluster facilitates the development of Singapore’s IP capabilities, services and marketplace.

The Cluster comprises:

The Communications & Engagement Department

The Enterprise Development Department

The International Engagement Department

The IP 101

The Communications & Engagement Department builds IPOS’ reputation and promote its initiatives through strategic engagement and communication. The department also seeks to create a movement by encouraging the public, especially youths, to adopt an IP-savvy lifestyle.

The Enterprise Development Department helps both the private and public sectors to build IP management capabilities at the organisational level so as to enable organisations to better utilise their intangible assets and increase their competitive advantage.

The International Engagement Department supports IPOS' vision by establishing relationships with IP stakeholders outside Singapore, including government agencies, institutions, inventors, creators, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists and others. The Department also seeks to position Singapore as a vibrant marketplace for IP transactions and commercialisation.

The IP 101 is an integrated one-stop services centre, with effective linkages to the Intellectual Property (IP) community, such as the local enterprises, IP service providers, IP owners, academics, etc. to offer the IP community a comprehensive suite of products, services and networks.

REGAL Cluster

The REGAL Cluster consists of the Registries, the Customer Service and Information Department and the Legal Department.

The Registries are responsible for the administration, processing and granting of rights for all registrable IP in Singapore and comprise:

The Registry of Patents,

The Registry of Trade Marks

The Registry of Designs

The Registry of Plant Varieties

The Customer Service and Information Department supports service excellence by overseeing the strategic use of information technology to enhance convenience for all users of our IP systems and services.

The Legal Department stewards and facilitates the formulation and development of national IP policy, ensuring that national IP laws remain relevant in our fast-changing world. The department also represents Singapore’s interests in IP matters at various international forums and during treaty/trade agreement negotiations.

Strategic Planning and Policy Department

The Strategic Planning and Policy Department works with the management team to chart the strategic direction for IPOS.